Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has officially changed his jersey number from No. 1 to No. 15, marking a significant transition for the franchise’s cornerstone player ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA season. The move, which pays homage to his father, Melvin Booker, ends a nine-year tenure during which the three-time All-Star wore the No. 1 jersey since being selected by the Suns in the 2015 NBA Draft.
The jersey change was confirmed by the Phoenix Suns via their official team channels on September 13, 2024. Booker, who previously wore the number throughout his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, has consistently cited his father’s professional basketball influence as a foundational element of his own development. Melvin Booker, a former professional player who had stints with the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors, famously wore No. 15 during his own playing career.
Why Devin Booker Switched to No. 15
For Devin Booker, the shift is primarily a personal tribute. In statements provided to the team, the guard noted that the decision reflects a desire to honor his father’s legacy and his own roots in the sport. The No. 15 was the number his father wore during his time as a journeyman in the NBA and throughout his career in international leagues, including stints in Italy and Turkey.
According to the NBA’s official announcement, the change was processed through the league’s standard equipment protocols. While players often retain jersey numbers for the duration of their careers, the transition to a family-significant number is a common tradition among professional athletes looking to reset or celebrate their personal history. Booker’s transition coincides with the team’s ongoing efforts to build a championship-caliber roster, as the organization looks to capitalize on the core group led by Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Impact on the Phoenix Suns Roster
The adjustment of Booker’s number creates a clean slate for the Suns’ brand identity as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. In the NBA, jersey number changes require coordination with the league’s licensing partners to account for existing inventory of merchandise. Fans can expect to see the new No. 15 jerseys available through the official team store and league-affiliated retailers as the season approaches.
This change does not impact the team’s salary cap or roster status, but it does signify a shift in the visual representation of the team’s primary offensive engine. Booker, who averaged 27.1 points per game during the 2023-2024 regular season, remains the longest-tenured player on the current Suns roster, having been with the franchise since his rookie year in 2015. His commitment to the city remains a focal point for the organization, which has invested heavily in the current core under the ownership of Mat Ishbia.
Historical Context of Jersey Numbers in the NBA
Jersey numbers in the NBA are often viewed as part of an athlete’s personal brand. While some players change numbers due to trades or teammate availability, others do so to signal a new chapter in their professional development. Booker’s decision to move to No. 15 aligns him with the number he wore during his formative years, effectively linking his current professional status with his upbringing in the sport.
The process for changing a number is strictly regulated. Under NBA policy, players who wish to change their number after a significant tenure must generally notify the league before the start of the new season. This allows for the necessary logistics, including the production of new uniforms and the updating of official league databases. The Suns have confirmed that the change is effective immediately for all upcoming promotional materials and on-court competition.
As the Suns prepare for their preseason schedule, the focus shifts to how the roster will integrate under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. The team, which finished with a 49-33 record in the 2023-2024 season, is looking to improve upon their first-round exit in the Western Conference playoffs. The team’s next official milestone will be the start of training camp, where Booker will debut the new jersey number in a practice setting for the first time.
The franchise encourages fans to follow the team’s social media channels for updates on ticket availability and preseason game schedules. Supporters interested in the team’s ongoing developments are encouraged to share their thoughts on the upcoming season as the league prepares for tip-off.